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Expert Guidance
Summer is fast approaching and your air conditioning unit will be working harder than ever to keep your home cool and comfortable. More than 69% of Aussies (6.8 million households) rely on their air conditioner during the summer season, spending a whopping $3.7 billion dollars on cooling.
With temperatures and energy costs on the rise, follow our top 10 energy saving tips to keep your air conditioner running efficiently this summer. Added bonus, you will be helping the environment too!
1. Insulate your home
A well-insulated and shaded house will keep the cool in and heat out in summer. Ceilings and walls that have are not insulated can make houses up to 35% hotter. A well shaded home can block up to 90% of the sun’s heat in warmer months. While new homes are required to have insulation installed, older homes may be missing out on the benefits that insulation provides.
2. Choose an energy efficient model when purchasing a new unit
On the market for a new air conditioner? It pays to do your research first. You will want to ensure your air conditioning unit is energy efficient, correctly sized for your space and suitable for your climate zone. Some air conditioning units are included in the Energy Rating System . This can provide you with useful information to save you money.
3. Check your filters
Check and clean your air conditioner filter monthly. Air conditioning filters can collect dust, grime, bacteria and mould, which can compromise the air quality in your home. In addition, your air conditioning unit becomes less effective, working hard harder to cool the air.
To clean your filter, simply remove the filter from the unit and give a good brush or shake. You can even vacuum them for a thorough clean. If there is a lot of dirt or grime, you can wash in warm water with mild detergent. Rinse clean and then dry thoroughly before replacing. For more information, you can read our expert guide to cleaning your air conditioning filters.
Check your manufacturers instructions for guidelines around when to replace your air conditioner filter. If your filter is showing signs of wear and tear or damage, it may be time for a replacement. Changing your filter every 3 months is a good rule of thumb. You can easily find replacement air conditioning filters for all leading brands here.
4. Set the right temperature on your thermostat
To ensure maximum energy efficiency from your air conditioning unit set the thermostat to the right temperature. The most efficient temperature varies, depending on the season and climate where you live.
As an approximate guide, a standard air conditioner’s temperature should be set to 24-25 degrees for summer cooling. In winter, set the temperature to around 19-20 degrees. According to Finder, every degree you increase the thermostat could shave 10% off your bill.
If you want to save even further, set you thermostat only in living areas where you spend most of your time.
If you have a window/wall air conditioner, or a standalone bar, column or fan heater, consider a Heatermate. This plug-in electronic room temperature controller, digitally reads the room temperature precisely and maintains the temperature automatically for you.
5. Keep your exterior windows and doors closed
Keep your reverse cycle air conditioning unit running efficiently by keeping all external windows and doors closed. This is a simple tip that can save you extra dollars. Open windows and doors mean your system has to work much harder and will increase your energy consumption. Likewise, keep your curtains and blinds closed during the hottest part of the day as this helps trap the heat outside so that it doesn’t heat up your home.
6. Use a ceiling fan to help air flow
A ceiling fan works in tandem with your air conditioner to help circulate the air and cool down the room. Just be sure your fan turns in the right direction. Ceiling fans should rotate clockwise on Winter mode and anti-clockwise on Summer mode.
7. Avoid using your oven and dryer during the hottest part of the day
This will only increase the amount of hot air circulating in your home, forcing your air conditioner to work twice as hard. Other heat emitting appliances such as the television, lamps and computer can all generate a lot of heat, so switch them off when not in use.
8. Use your air conditioner only when you are at home
Be kind to the environment and your pocket by using your air conditioner only when you are home. By properly insulating your home and keeping your windows and blinds closed before you leave, you can ensure it retains cool air after switching off your unit. Over 1.9 million Australian’s leave their AC running when they are not at home. That’s an energy cost of $97 million over the summer period!
9. Turn off your air conditioner at night
Evening air is generally cooler, so take advantage of the summer breeze and open your windows. Allow the air to flow through. Save the air conditioner for the day time, when the temperature is at its hottest.
10. Lastly, don’t forget regular maintenance!
Checking and cleaning your filters is a must. Check that plants and furniture are not blocking your unit. This could restrict your air flow. Clear dust, obstructions, debris and foliage regularly from outdoor units. A regular service by a qualified HVAC technician will fix any problems so that your unit can run at its best for longer.
If your air conditioner is blowing out hot air instead of cooling your home, it is time to investigate the issue. Check out problem shooting guide.
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Easily find new and replacement spare parts at Statewide Appliance Spares. Shop Australia’s biggest range of air conditioning spare parts such as filters, remote controls, fan parts and PCB’s. Statewide has all the leading brands including Fujitsu, LG, Mitsubishi Electric, Panasonic & Daikin. Best prices, fast delivery and the lowest prices guaranteed! Have a question? We love to help! Contact us online or call us on free call 1800 005 220.